Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Ps 20:7 (NIV)
Fear can drive you to trust in things you wouldn’t naturally or normally trust. When you have no options left, where do you turn?
If you’re floating in the ocean lost at sea, a piece of driftwood could be your only option and you hold onto it for dear life. But it's not something you reach for in everyday life. Imagine turning up to work with your piece of driftwood under your arm for security… You say to those giving you curious looks, “Oh, just in case.”
I think we all hold onto things that give us a false sense of security. Consumerism is a big one. It wants to dictate to us our identity, and our lack of identity drives it. It’s a vicious cycle that leaves us always feeling empty, wanting more, NEEDING more material items in order to be fulfilled. The bigger the car, the grander the house, the more expensive the clothes, the more exclusive education, the more ‘security' you'll have. Problem is, there isn't a car big enough, or a house grand enough to keep you from tragedy and heartache… so where do you turn then?
Another one is ‘Celebrity'. In our society, generally speaking, we view ‘making it' in Hollywood, or being rich and famous, as a benchmark of a successful life. But you barely have to scratch beneath the surface to know that many people who appear to have it all aren’t at all happy. Second, third and fourth marriages are common-place and depression is rife… Fame and fortune is not a vehicle to happiness.
When your confidence and security is not dependent on material possessions, then those things can’t ransom you to un-happiness through fear of not having them, or worse still, having them and then losing them.
In the end, it's all just driftwood. Desperate measures for desperate people. When your confidence and security is in God, you have faith that the one who created all, will supply your all; your every need (not to be confused with your every ‘want'). From that position, you won’t be ransomed by fear.
Trust in the God who is the author of every resource, rather than trusting in the resources themselves.